T.O. Signs with Bengals

So he's finally found a home. Terrell Owens has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. I think it would be an understatement to say that this makes next season all the more interesting.

Can Owens repeat the success he's had with his former teams in Cincinnati?

He will be joining Antonio Bryant and his bff Chad Ochocinco and stated that he will be reporting to Bengals training camp.

What does this mean for the Bengals? It means a great deal. With Owens, the Bengals have arguably one of the most talented group of receivers in the league. Remember everything I was saying about Carson Palmer needing to step his game up? Owens will make that much easier, that is, if he doesn't drive Palmer crazy in the process.

I know what many of you are thinking. T.O. is 36 years old, and is coming off his worst statistical season since his rookie campaign, catching 55 passes for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, we have to think about the context of this data. While these are extremely modest numbers for this future hall of famer, we just realize that Owens was in a horrid QB situation in Buffalo. The passing situation with the Bills was a mess. However, he still managed to lead the Bills in receptions.

I will not dispute that T.O. has lost a step. However, it is my belief that he is still a very effective receiver to say the least. He's clearly still in phenomenal physical condition and still has plenty of speed left. I believe that the once premier receiver has plenty left in the tank to contribute, especially with Carson Palmer throwing to him instead of Ryan Fitzpatrick. If you ask me, I say the Bengals have now gotten an excellent weapon that may help them to compete for the division title with Baltimore. While I believe the Ravens will likely still take that division, it is no longer as set in stone as I once thought. And I will say now that I now consider the Bengals to be a playoff lock for next season.

Will T.O. and Ocho mean big progress? Or big trouble?

Of course, there are factors that could sway these statements. We can't forget about the baggage T.O. brings with him. Will he be able to get along with Ochocinco? Will he tear apart that locker room? Or has he finally turned a new leaf and become a model citizen? After all, Carson Palmer would not lobby for him without a reason, right?

Owens was arguably the most dominant receiver in the league during his tenure in Philly

History tells us Owens will bring big trouble to western Ohio. Yet, if he can still produce, if I were a Bengals fan I would applaud this move.

What does this mean for the Eagles? Well, to be frank, not much. The Bengals are not scheduled to play the Eagles next season. Yet, it's always interesting when this Philly Hero-turned Villain is mentioned. I'm sure none of us forgot about his phenomenal impact during his tenure here, catching 77 passes for 1200 yards and 14 touchdowns in one of his best seasons. If he's anything like he was in Philly, the Bengals are in great shape. However, one thing is for certain, we are in for a very intriguing 2010 season.